Hoteliers in Mcleodganj start razing illegal constructions

DHARAMSHALA: Some of the hoteliers in Mcloedganj of Dharamshala have started demolishing the illegal constructions in their hotels on their own. The step comes after 170 hotels and guest houses, built in violation of building norms, have lost water and electricity supply owing to directives of the Himachal Pradesh high court last year.

Apart from it, action is pending against more than three dozen hotels. The local administration had given the hoteliers option to raze the illegal portions and create other facilities as required to get the no-objection certificates to put the unit in operation again. Vijay Bhardwaj, who owns Hotel Asian Plaza located at Mcleodganj’s Main Square, said one floor of his hotel was illegal and now he has started demolishing it. “We have also started work to create a parking space in the hotel is also underway,” Bhardwaj said, adding that other norms like fire safety system are also being complied with.

Meanwhile, Dharamshala police had recently directed gun holder hotel and guest house owners to deposit their arms in the concerned police stations.

The directions have been issued to ensure safety and security of the officers and employees who have been involved in snapping water and power supply to illegal hotels and guest houses.

Police have also asked the local authorities to inform the cops when their teams go for any action against the illegal hotels so that their security can be ensured.